Averages for Florence in November

Weather lowdown

November marks the end of the autumn season for Florence, Italy, when the temperatures drop, the precipitation increases and the daily hours of sunshine decrease. At this time of year, the average temperature for the city starts off at 13.5°C created by highs of 18°C during the daytime and lows of 9°C on an evening. This falls down to 8.5°C by the end of the month, created by highs of 12°C during the daytime and lows of 5°C by the end of the month. This makes the first week of November the warmest part of the month.

Although it only happens on an average of once every ten days, temperatures have been known to rise above 21°C and fall below -1°C in Florence in November. The hottest temperature ever recorded here during this month is 27°C, whilst the coldest temperature ever registered in the city at this time of year is -5°C.

Over the course of the month, the length of the day in Florence is decreasing, with a difference of 1:02 hours between the beginning and the end of the month. The shortest day is November 30th with 9:11 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day is November 1st with 10:13 hours of daylight.

At this time of year, Florence boasts an average of five hours of sunshine every day – that’s two hours less each day than in October – along with median cloud coverage which varies between 55% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month at 63% (partly cloudy) by the end. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 28% of the time, partly cloudy 20% and mostly cloudy/overcast 28%. The city is also subject to foggy conditions on an average of six days across the month.

The average monthly precipitation for Florence in November is 133mm/5 inches – that’s significantly more than the previous month – which is spread out between 14 rainy days. The likelihood of rainfall occurring at this time of year averages at 40% and slightly increases as the month progresses. The least likely days to see rainfall are November 1st to November 7th inclusive, when it falls on 39% of days. The most likely days to see rainfall are November 21st to November 30th inclusive, when it falls on 41% of days.

Although falls toward the end of the autumn season in Florence, snowfall is still very unlikely to occur at this time of year. If you want to experience the city when it’s covered in snow, don’t visit in November. Instead, plan to holiday in the city for January or February, when snowfall is most likely.

The most common forms of precipitation for Florence in November are moderate rain (which appears on 51% of days with rainfall), light rain (21%), thunderstorms (14%) and drizzle (10%).

With a combination of cold evening temperatures and comparatively mild daytime temperatures like these, you’ll need to pack a good mixture of clothing, including jumpers, jeans, jackets, t-shirts and shorts, to make sure you’re comfortable whatever the weather. With rainfall occurring on almost ½ of days throughout the month, it’s also wise to pack an umbrella or some waterproofs. If you hate cold temperatures and want to visit Florence when the city is hottest, forget about going in November and plan your holiday for July or August instead, when the city’s temperatures are at their highest.

The average daily relative humidity for Florence in November is 74% – that’s slightly higher than the previous month. The humidity varies between 57% (mildly humid) and 95% (very humid) across the month, rarely reaching as high as 100% (very humid) or falling below 36% (comfortable). The air tends to be driest around November 1st, when it drops below 68% (mildly humid) three days out of every four. The air is often at its most humid around November 4th, when it rises above 93% (very humid) three days out of four.

Over the month, typical wind speeds range between 0 m/s (calm) and 3 m/s (light breeze), rarely going over 8 m/s (moderate breeze). The highest average wind speed of 1 m/s (light air) happens around November 1st, when the average daily maximum is 3 m/s (light breeze), whilst the lowest average wind speed of 1 m/s occurs around November 19th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 3 m/s.

Plaza Lucchesi Hotel is located in the heart of Florence overlooking the Arno River, inside a historic building which dates back to 1860. Just a short walk from the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, this hotel has some of the best views in the city, with the Duomo, Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato a Monte all visible from its rooftop terrace and many of the rooms. Here guests can choose between 87 guestrooms and ten suites, each of which features free WiFi access, satellite LCD TV, air conditioning/heating and private bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer. Onsite dining options include the Lungarno Restaurant which serves local and international dishes, as well as room service between 7am and midnight. Other onsite services and facilities include rooftop bar with panoramic city views, rooftop swimming pool, complimentary breakfast buffet and paid private parking.

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is the largest hotel in Florence, situated just minutes away from the city’s centre and all major monuments. Accommodation comes in the form of 331 classic, superior, deluxe, panoramic and monument view rooms, as well as one river view junior suite and one golden suite. Each guestroom features panoramic views, air conditioning/heating, WiFi access, satellite TV and private bathroom with bath or shower. Suites are much grander and also offer a separate living area, steam room, minibar, walk-in wardrobe, shoe buffer, complimentary amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Onsite dining options include Bistrot which serves traditional Florentine dishes in modern surroundings and the Lounge Bar which serves a variety of drinks between 10am and midnight. Speciality cooking classes are also run by the hotel’s chef and cooks. Other onsite services and facilities include manned private garage, free magazines and newspapers, four internet points, boutique and 24-hour concierge.

For another hotel with loads of services and facilities, consider Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli. Located within a scenic park in the ‘New City’ section of Novoli, this hotel is just a 15-minute bus ride away from the city’s major historical attractions. Accommodation comes in the form of twin rooms, king rooms, king deluxe rooms and suites. Each guestroom features LCD TV, free WiFi access, mini fridge, air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities, whilst suites also offer a spacious lounge with sofa bed and work desk. Onsite dining options include City Restaurant which serves Florentine dishes for lunch and dinner, 24-hour Pavilion Pantry mini market which sells drinks and ready-to-cook meals, Lounge Bar which serves alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and coffee, plus room service. Within the hotel you’ll also find free 24-hour fitness room, gift shop and underground car park.

Situated inside the wing of a neo-classical palazzo along one of Florence’s oldest streets, Borghese Palace Art Hotel is ideally positioned for sightseeing, being close to the Bargello, Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery. This boutique hotel provides accommodation in the form of 25 classic rooms, superior rooms, executive double rooms and junior suites. Each guestroom comes with private bathroom with shower, hand-stitched leather furniture, free WiFi access, air conditioning and LCD satellite TV with DVD player, whilst the junior suites come with restored vintage furniture, separate lounge with leather sofa bed, complimentary toiletries and slippers. Onsite services and facilities include spa set inside a part of the building which dates back to 1400, American bar which serves cocktails, coffee, snacks and appetisers, breakfast buffet served in the bar or in your room, complimentary art exhibitions and nearby covered parking.

Il Grande Museo del Duomo at night in Florence, Italy taken by runner310

Things to do

Il Grande Museo del Duomo is one of Florence’s most impressive museums. Recently expanded to cover an additional 2,000m2, this huge museum is home to a wealth of scared and liturgical pieces which were once used to decorate the Duomo, baptistery and campanile. Some of the museum’s highlights include the glass-topped courtyard with boasts Ghiberti’s 15th century “Porta del Paradiso” encased in glass, Michelangelo’s La Pietà, two singing galleries designed by Donatello and Luca della Robbia and the Altar of Saint John, created between 1367 and 1480 by three generations of Florentine silversmiths who used more than 250kg of silver. Il Grande Museo del Duomo is open 9am-6.50 Monday to Saturday and 9am-1.50pm on Sundays.

Explore the area around Florence by signing up for a tour with Tuscany by Vespa. This tour operator runs a one-day tour around the whole of Tuscany which allows you to take in as much of the region in as little time as possible. Tours take place every day at 9.30am (twice each day at 9.30am and again at 2.30pm between April and October) and pass through country roads where you’ll see loads of olive groves and vineyards. Each tour also includes a visit to a winery where you’ll learn about wine and olive oil production, plus a traditional Tuscan meal. Single and couple tickets are available, but if you’re a student, make sure you choose the student ticket so you get the cheapest price.

If the weather is too cold or wet to go out, seek some shelter by signing up for a class with It’s Yoga Florence. This yoga studio specialises in a type of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga which wakes up the nervous system and really gives you a good workout to promote a healthy body, mind and soul. One-hour group classes usually take place three to five times each day, but if you want one-to-one tuition, you can also book private 60-90 minute private yoga sessions for one person or 60-minute private yoga sessions for groups of two to six people.

Science lovers won’t want to pass up the chance to visit the Museo Galileo. Open Wednesday to Monday 9.30am-6pm and Tuesdays 9.30am-1pm, this museum is situated inside an 11th century building in the Piazza dei Giudici. Within the museum you’ll find one of the world’s most important collection of scientific instruments, taken from the Medici Collection, plus the Lorraine Collection, made up of items which depict the progression of chemistry, electricity and electromagnetism in Tuscany and Italy. These exhibits include Peter Leopold’s chemistry cabinet, obstetrical wax models from Santa Maria Nuova Hospital and machines produced in the Museo di Fisica e Storia Naturale which illustrate the fundamental laws of physics. Other points of interest include the library which houses around 150,000 pieces on the history of science, the multimedia lab with online and offline interactive applications and various temporary exhibitions held throughout the year.

If you’re a beer lover, spend the evening at the Book Pub. This small British-style pub serves a huge selection of drinks, including draught and bottle beers, local and international wines, spirits, cocktails, shots and soft drinks – all of which are very reasonably priced. The Book Pub also serves a small choice of desserts and snack-like meals but there is no menu – you’ll have to ask the barman to find out what’s available. What makes this bar stand out from the others are the staff – everyone is so eager to chat and make you feel at home.

Snack Bar Anna is perfect for the hungry traveller on a budget. This café serves up a variety of sandwiches, but their speciality is their homemade bagels which can be stuffed with a huge choice of fish, meat, cheese, vegetables and sauces according to your preferences. The drinks menu is fairly basic and includes coffee, juices and other soft drinks. The service is remarkably fast and the prices are very affordable, considering the central location close to the Duomo.

For something more akin to fine dining, make a reservation at Il Palagio. Set inside the Four Seasons hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in Tuscan dishes which are prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the delicacies on the menu here include roasted scampi on cauliflower cream, line-caught sea bass with olive and tomato crust, Assissi pigeon cooked in pig’s bladder and chamomile-scented lamb. The wine list is extensive and includes hundreds of red, white, rose and sparkling options from all across Italy.

November events in Florence

Public Hoilday

All Saints' Day

1st November 2015

All Saints’ Day, also known as Festa di Tutti i Santi, is both a religious and public holiday in Italy on November 1st every year.
It collectively celebrates all of the Catholic saints.

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Sports

Firenze Marathon 2014

29th November 2015

The 2015 edition of international classic road race, the Florence Marathon, is celebrating its 32nd year!
Thousands of athletes and fans from all over the world participate in this annual race on the last Sunday in November.
The Florence Marathon is now Italy's second-largest marathon (after Rome), and among the 20 most important in the world.

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Religious

Feast of Tuscany

30th November 2015

In the year 2000, the Tuscan Regional Council approved a law to celebrate, on 30th November, the 'Festa della Regione Toscana', in commemoration of the anniversary of the Penal Reform introduced on 30th November 1786 by the Grand-duke of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine.
The Municipal authorities also wish to mark the day of the Tuscan Region Festival with a series of different initiatives involving, as well as historians and politicians from Tuscany and elsewhere, the citizens and all those who live in Florence.